UM Ready For Tune-Up Game Against Savannah State
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The starters remain the same as the Miami Hurricanes prepare for what will essentially be a glorified scrimmage this Saturday against the Savannah State Tigers.
The Tigers are one of the worst teams in the Football Championship Subdivision, one level below the University of Miami. They are scheduled for a guaranteed win and to get a big check from the U.
To put in perspective how bad Savannah State is; the team lost its first game of the year 77-9 to Georgia Southern University and the second game of the year 66-3 to Troy University. Savannah State also played last year against Oklahoma State University and gave up 84 points.
In other words, the starters for Miami will likely not even break a sweat by the time they exit the game at some point in the first half. That will give the backups plenty of time to get in some game action, albeit against a weak opponent.
What will Savannah State be running into against the U?
Miami ranks second in the nation in red zone defense, allowing just one rushing touchdown and three field goals in eight red zone opportunities. Miami's offensive line also has allowed just two sacks through two games this season.
Savannah State will likely extend Miami's current streak of allowing just two touchdowns in the last 220:30 of game action at Sun Life Stadium. Also, Saturday will mark Hurricanes head coach Al Golden's first game coached with a team in the AP Top 25.
The Canes are ranked number 16 in the AP Top 25 after dropping one spot while having the week off last Saturday.
Miami will have Saturday's game against Savannah State and a likely guaranteed win next weekend against the University of South Florida before hitting Atlantic Coast Conference play.
It's not out of the question that UM could make it to November 2nd's showdown with the Florida State Seminoles in Tallahassee undefeated. UM has to play Georgia Tech, North Carolina, and Wake Forest before getting to Tallahassee to play the Noles.
